The City of Plymouth is gearing up for summer with a slate of community events kicking off with the Beaches and Bonfires bash later this month. As per the city's announcement, the free Summer Beach Series begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 at East Medicine Lake Park.

The inaugural event promises a laid-back evening featuring the warm glow of bonfires, the cool breeze off the lake, and the rhythmic beats of Dred I Dread. This Minneapolis-based Reggae Band offers a fusion of sounds from Jamaica, New Orleans, Minnesota, and Turkey. Foodies can also indulge in an array of flavors from a lineup of local food trucks parked at the event.

For those planning to drive, additional parking is available at West Medicine Lake Park located at 1920 W. Medicine Lake Drive. From there, a 2-mile path, marked with signage, connects to East Medicine Lake Park, the venue for the evening.

The Summer Beach Series lineup also includes Parkers Lake Play Day from 6-8:30 p.m., on Friday, June 21 at Parkers Lake Park, and Beaches, Bands, and Brews from 6-9 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 9 at East Medicine Lake Park. According to the city's parks and recreation announcement, these events are family-friendly and open to the public.

In case the sultry summer days bring unexpected weather, attendees can check if events are still going ahead by calling the weather hotline at 763-509-5205. For more details on the colorful calendar of summer events, interested individuals can contact the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Department at 763-509-5200.